LEMO + Northwire on Medical Cable Assemblies and Superbugs

The medical field is anything but static. As bacteria becomes more resistant and evolves, medical equipment must match that evolution with innovative new components and materials. For decades, silicone was the material of choice in medical devices and hospital equipment due to its ability to be sterilized repeatedly, among other benefits. Today, however, repeated sterilization is not as ideal as it once was with the rise of superbugs. The smallest amount of damage caused by sterilization – especially in the later part of the device’s lifecycle – can allow superbugs and other germs to pass between patients.

Theoretically, single-use device components would provide the “perfect” solution. Unfortunately, the cost and waste situation associated with single-use devices makes it unrealistic for many hospitals and healthcare facilities.

LEMO and Northwire have joined forces to find a better solution that balances safety and innovation with practical measures that can reach a wide audience. In the August Connector+Cable Assembly Supplier issue, the connector and cable experts discuss limited-use medical device components made from a robust silicone alternative. Intentionally designed for limited use, silicone alternatives like BioCompatic provide flexibility, durability, and resistance to sterilization and hospital chemicals that rivals and often surpasses that of silicone. At the same time, BioCompatic removes much of the end-of-life worry associated with silicone-coated medical cable assemblies. Cost-effective and easy for healthcare professionals to use, silicone alternatives like BioCompatic are an excellent answer to superbugs and other industry concerns.